An Orchid Handbook

Steven J. Royer, editor

Michiana Orchid Society, 2003

Table of Contents

Background Information [2]

A Brief History [3]

Classification [4]

Growing Orchids [10]

Commonly Cultivated Orchids and How to Grow Them [11]

Awards for Orchids [16]

Orchid Genera and Their Show Classes [17]

Basic Show Information [42]

An Orchid Glossary [45]

Orchid Collections in Botanic Gardens: United States and Canada [46]

Background Information

Orchids get their name from the root word ‘orchis’ which means testicles, in reference to the roots of some wild species especially of the genus Orchis, where the paired bublets give the appearance of the male sex organs.

Of all the families of plants orchids are the largest. There are an estimated 750 to 1,000 genera and more than 25,000 species of orchids known today, with the number growing each year! The largest number of species is found in the Dendrobium (1,500 spp), Bulbophyllum (1,500 spp), and Pleurothalis (1,000 spp) genera. They are found on every continent in the world with the largest variety found in Asia. There are even species which use hot springs in Greenland to grow. Orchids can be epiphytic (growing high in the trees), terrestrial (growing in the ground), lithophytes (grow on rocks), and a few are saprophytic (living off decaying vegetation).

The family is prized for its beautiful and diverse flowers. The only plant with an economic value to the common man is vanilla, which is a commonly enjoyed flavoring. The hybridizing of these flowers has become a major economic force worldwide for cut flowers and cultivation of plants by hobbyists. It is estimated $90 billion each year is pumped into the world’s economy as a direct result of these fascinating flowers. In some countries Salep used in Turkish Delight is gathered from Dactylorhiza, Eulophia, Ophrys, and Orchis species. Flavorings are also derived from species of Angraecum, and Leptotes. Dendrobium species are used in Australia as aboriginal body paint and Geodorum provides a strong gum for musical instruments.

A plant consists of roots, shoots, and leaves in two growth patterns. Monopoidal plants (single stem) grow in one direction, upright. Examples of monopoidal growth are found in the genera Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Aerangis. Sympoidal plants grow mostly horizontally in several directions, with pseudobulbs connected by a main axis. Examples of these are Dendrobium, Oncidium, Encyclia, Cattleya, and Cymbidium.

Leaves of orchids are arranged either alternately or are basal, rarely are they opposite or whorled. Sometimes the leaves can be reduced to scales, but are generally simple and entire, frequently fleshy and attached to an enlarged or swollen stem commonly sheathing at the base.

The flowers of the orchid are strongly irregular and rarely unisexual (Cycnoches). As with the lily, the typical flower has 5 circles, each with 3 parts. The outermost circle has 3 sepals (The upper sepal called a ‘flag’, as in Irises). The inner circle has 2 ‘regular’ petals and a 3^rd specialized petal (the lip or labellum), commonly with a nectary appendage (sac or spur). The stamen circle follows. The stamen circle is reduced with only one or two stamens. The stigma and style fuse together to form a special organ, the column. The anthers on the stamen open by longitudinal slits. The pollen is usually caked together in one to eight large waxy lumps called pollinia, during pollination the sunstance is transferred as a whole. The pollinia are usually hidden behind a waxy cap-like sterile lobe of the stigma called the rostellum. Last is the ovary circle, which is inferior (the stamens and perianth are connected at the top of the ovary). The pistil is formed of three united carpels; locules are either one or three in number. The ovules are numerous and bourne on axils (if 3 locules) or parietal (if one locule) placentas.

There are two distinguishable flower types, single and double stamened flowers. The double-stamen flowers (Diandrous) have two productive stamens. The only diandrous flowered orchids are cypiripedioideae from the genus Paphiopedilum. The single-stamen flowers (Monandrous) have one productive stamen.

There are four main styles of inflorescences: single flower, raceme, cyme, and panicle.

The seeds form in capsules, generally developing in a month’s time. One seed weighs 1/3,500,000 of an ounce or 1/1,000,000 or a gram. The seed capsule bursts along 3 or 6 seams releasing the seeds. Each seed lacks endosperm (no food storage) and depends on a symbiotic relationship with a fungus to develop and grow. The fungi penetrate the root system and take over the feeding of the young shoot.

Orchids have no known fossil record, making classification in the past challenging.

Highlights in Orchid History

o 1000–600 BC Earliest references to orchids came from China

§ ‘Lan’ a word that also meant ‘superior man,’ ‘elegant woman,’ as well as ‘strong,’ ‘virile,’ & ‘beautiful’

o 250–233 BC Emperor Shi-Kotei, on the advise of his physician, placed an orchid (believed to be Cymbidium ensifolium) in the quarters of Empress Yohki-Hi after some years of a childless marriage

§ The plant developed a spike of 13 flowers

§ The Empress conceived the first of 13 sons

o 3 AD Ki Han, Chinese Minister of State described several orchid species

§ Cymbidium ensifolium & Dendrobium moniliforme

o 40 AD Dioscorides, Greek Physician, commented on the use of orchids to determine the sex of offspring

§ 1^st written evidence of orchids outside the orient

o 1233 The first book on orchids, “Chin Chang Lan Pu” by Wang Keui-Lsueh described 37 orchid species

§ Gave full cultural details

§ Stated the orchid is a symbol of the perfect personality and quality of a superb person

o 1368/1644 Ming Dynasty gave many references for the use orchids as herbs

§ Vanilla–100 species used as flavoring

o 1427–1550 Authors throughout Europe commented on the use of orchids in herbology

o 1552 The first American book on medicinal plants “Badiano Codex” by Martin de la Cruz, Aztec physician, referred to Vanilla planifolia as a useful plant in treating hysteria, fevers, impotence, rheumatism, and to increase the energy od the muscular systems

o 1700–1799 Books and treatises on culture and descriptions of orchids began to appear from China and throughout Europe

o 1753 Carolus Linnaeus developed the binomial nomenclature system

o 1802 Seeds: R. S. Salisbury described the successful germination and growth of seeds 50 years before other reported successes

o 1800–1850 Descriptions of orchid genera and species continued and collections ensued to become en vogue

§ Hybrids began to make an appearance as growers became adventuresome

§ 1830 Hot water stoves were introduced for greenhouse culture

o 1851 RHS published articles which became the manual for orchid growing

§ Orchids for the Millions

o 1854–18991,005 orchid hybrids were produced

§ New genera and species described in droves

o 1896 Kew listed 1,800 spp. in 200 genera in cultivation there

o 1902 The first Cymbidium hybrids of the 20^th century appeared and rapidly increased over the next 20 years

o 1900–1925 Hybridization increased including the beginning of intergeneric hybrids

o 1909 Noel Bernard attempted to isolate the fungi and compare germination of infected and non-infected seedlings

o 2002 A new species of Phragmipedium is discovered in Peru with exceptionally large flowers and creates a stir

Family Orchidaceae—Orchid names and Classification

All species on the earth have two Latin names. This is the binomial system of nomenclature instituted by the Sweedish narutalist-physician Carl Linnaeus. The first name listed, always capitalized and italicized, is the genus (e.g. Cattleya). A genus is a group of closely related species. The second name, also italicized, is the specific epithet, or the species name (e.g. forbesii). The species name is not capitalized as a rule.

The genus or species name may commemorate a person, describe some aspect of the plant, or refers to the place of its origin. For example, Cattleya harrisoniana honors Harrison of Aighburgh-Liverpool who introduced the species from Brazil. Cattleya amethystoglossa was named for its amethyst-colored labellum. Paphiopedilum philippinense is native to the Philippines.

Through the centuries, botanists have tried to express relationships among orchids and other plants by ranking them in hierarchies according to similarities and differences in flower structure and/or vegetative features. No fossil records to date have been found for orchids so the evolution of this group is speculation and theory based on the trends in flowering plants. As new technology (such as DNA analysis) becomes available the systematists are reassessing the relationships of orchids, and other plants groups, on every level.

Since the names of plants reflect those relationships, the names may change as well but only in accordance with rules established by the International Code of botanical Nomenclature. Among other rules and recommendations, this Code specifies the various levels of the hierarchy of classification.

Closely related genera are grouped into subtribes, names that end in -inae. Following the Cattleya forbesii example, Cattleya is in subtribe Laeliinae along with its relatives such as Laelia and Encyclia. Related subtribes are grouped into larger taxonomic units called tribes; names of tribes end in eae Subtribe Laeliinae is in tribe Epidendreae. Finally, related tribes are grouped into a subfamily, the names of which always end in -oideae. Tribe Epidendreae is in subfamily Epidendroideae. According to Dressler, whose 1981 classification is followed here, there are six subfamilies in the orchid family Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae, Spiranthoideae Orchidoideae, Epedendroideae, and Vandoideae. Since that 1981 classification was published, Dressler ~ 1986 1990a, 1990b) has amended the framework more than once at many levels, with many more to come in all likelyhood. Since most orchid growers are familier with the 1981 classification it was used here. The classification is complete from Subfamily to Alliance, examples of the more commonly seen and cultivated genera were listed to keep things somewhat simple.

The general framework for the classification of a family is as follows:

Family

Subfamily

Tribe

Subtribe

Alliance

Genera

Species

Family Orchidaceae
Subfamily Apostasioideae (2 genera; 16 species)

Genera: Apostsasia, Neuwiedia
Subfamily Cypripedioideae (4–5 genera; 115 species)

Genera: Cypripedium, Pahiopedilum,

Phragmipedium, Selenipedium
Subfamily Spiranthoideae (95 genera; 550 species—Asia, Africa & Australia)
Tribe Erythrodeae
Subtribe Tropidiinae

Genera: Corymborkis, Tropidia
Subtribe Goodyerinae

Alliance Goodyera

Genera: Goodyera, Ludisia

Alliance Anoectochilus

Genera: Anoectochilus, Zeuxine
Tribe Cranichideae (North & South America)
Subtribe Spiranthinae

Genera: Spiranthes
Subtribe Pachyplectroninae

Genera: Pachyplectron
Subtribe Manniellinae

Genera: Manniella
Subtribe Cranichidinae

Alliance Prescottia

Genera: Altensteinia, Prescottia

Alliance Ponthieva

Genera: Baskervilla, Cranichis, Ponthieva

Subtribe Cryptostylidinae

Genera: Cryptostylis

Subfamily Orchidoideae (2,800 species—Mostly terrestrial in Europe, Africa, &

Australia)
Tribe Neottieae (100 species)
Subtribe Limodorinae

Genera: Epipactis
Subtribe Listerinae

Genera: Listeria
Tribe Diurideae (550 species)
Subtribe Chloraeinae

Genera: Bipinnula, Chloraea
Subtribe Caladeniinae

Alliance Caladenia

Genera: Calendia

Alliance Caleanae

Genera: Drakaea

Subtribe Pterostylidinae

Genera: Pterostylis
Subtribe Acianthinae

Genera: Corybas
Subtribe Diuridinae

Genera: Thelymitra
Subtribe Prasophyllinae

Genera: Microtis, Prasophyllum
Tribe Orchideae (1,700 species)
Subtribe Orchidinae

Alliance Galeris

Genera: Amerorchis, Galearis

Alliance Platanthera

Genera: Platanthera

Alliance Orchis

Genera: Ophrys, Orchis

Alliance Holothrix

Genera: Bartholina, Holothrix
Subtribe Habenariinae

Alliance Herminium

Genera: Gennaria, Herminium

Alliance Habenaria

Genera: Nabenaria

Subtribe Huttonaeinae

Genera: Huttonaea

Tribe Diseae
Subtribe Disinae

Genera: Disa
Subtribe Satyriinae

Genera: Satyrium
Subtribe Coryciinae

Genera: Ceratandra, Corycium
Tribe Triphoreae

Genera: Monophyllorchis, Triphora
Tribe Wullschlaegelieae

Genera: Wullschlaegelia
Subfamily Epidendroideae (90–100 genera; 10,000 species)
Tribe Vanilleae
Subtribe Vanillinae (200 species)

Genera: Vanilla
Subtribe Lecanorchidinae

Genera: Lecanorchis
Subtribe Palmorchidinae

Genera: Diceratostele
Subtribe Pogoniinae

Genera: Pogonia
Tribe Gastrodieae
Subtribe Nerviliinae

Genera: Nervilia
Subtribe Gastrodiinae

Genera: Didymoplexis, Gastrodia
Subtribe Rhizanthellinae

Genera: Cryptanthemis, Rhizanthella
Tribe Epipogieae

Genera: Epipogium, Stereosandra
Tribe Arethuseae (500 species)
Subtribe Arethusinae

Genera: Arethusa
Subtribe Thuniinae

Genera: Thunia
Subtribe Bletiinae

Alliance Arundina

Genera: Arundina

Alliance Calopogon

Genera: Calopogon

Alliance Calanthe

Genera: Bletia, Calanthe, Phaius

Alliance Plocoglottis

Genera: Plocoglotis

Alliance Tainia

Genera: Tainia

Alliance Coelia

Genera: Coelia

Alliance Chysis

Genera: Chysis

Subtribe Sobraliina

Genera: Sobralia

Tribe Coelogyneae (400 species)

Subtribe Coelogyninae

Genera: Coelogyne, Dendrochilum, Pleione
Subtribe Adrorhizinae

Genera: Adrorhizon

Tribe Malaxideae (900 species)

Genera: Liparis, Malaxis
Tribe Cryptarrheneae

Genera: Cryptarrhena
Tribe Calypsoeae

Genera: Calypso
Tribe Epidendreae (8,000 species—Cosmopolitan)

Subtribe Eriinae

Alliance Eria

Genera: Eria

Alliance Ceratostylis

Genera: Ceratostylis, Epiblastus, Sarcostoma

Subtribe Podochilinae

Genera: Chilopogon, Podochilus
Subtribe Thelasiinae

Genera: Rhynchophreatia
Subtribe Glomerinae

Genera: Earina, Glomera
Subtribe Laeliinae (40–60 genera; 800 species)

Alliance Isochilus

Genera: Hexisea, Isochilus

Alliance Cattleya

Genera: Brassavola, Broughtonia, Cattleya,

Encyclia, Laelia, Rhyncholaelia, Schomburgkia,

Sophronitis

Alliance Barkeria

Genera: Barkeria, Caularthon

Alliance Epidendrum

Genera: Epidendrum

Alliance Leptotes

Genera: Leptotes

Alliance Neocogniauxia

Genera: Neocogniauxia

HYBRIDS (136 hybrids—25% of hybrids grown are in

here, usually tropical American epiphytes)

Genera: Brassocattleya, Brasoepidendrum,

Brassolaeliocattleya, Cattleytonia, Epicattleya,

Epilaeliocattleya, Hawkinsara, Laeliocatonia,

Laeliocattleya, Otaara, Potinara, Schombocattleya,

Sophrocattleya, Sophrolaelia, Sophrolaeliocattleya

Subtribe Meiracyllinae

Genera: Meiracyllium
Subtribe Pleurothallidinae

Genera: Dracula, Lepanthes, Masdevallia,

Platystele, Pleurothallis, Restrepia, Stelis
Subtribe Dendrobiinae

Genera: Dendrobium
Subtribe Bulbophyllinae

Genera: Bulbophyllum
Subtribe Sunipiinae

Genera: Sunipia

Subfamily Vandoideae (300 genera; 5,000 species)
Tribe Polystachyeae (200 species)

Genera: Polystachya
Tribe Vandeae (130 genera; 1,700 species—Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands,

Australia, & Africa)
Subtribe Sarcanthinae (100 genera; 1,000+ species—Asia & a few in

Africa)

Alliance Phalaenopsis (208 hybrids—38% of hybrids

grown)

Genera: Aerides, Chiloschista, Doritis,

Phalaenopsis, Rhynchostylis, Sarcochilus

Alliance Vanda

Genera: Arachnis, Ascocentrum, Euanthe, Luisia,

Renanthera, Vanda, Vandopsis

Alliance Trichoglottis

Genera: Cleisostoma, Gastrochilus, Neofinetia,

Robiquetia, Trichoglottis

HYBRIDS

Genera: Aeridovanda, Aranda, Ascocenda,

Asconopsis, Christieara, Doritanopsis, Opsistylis,

Perreiraara, Renanstylis, Renantanda, Renanthopsis,

Rhynchovanda, Vandaenopsis
Subtribe Angraecinae (300–400 species—Tropical Africa & Madagascar)

Alliance Angraecum

Genera: Aeranthes, Angraecum, Jumellea

Alliance Camplylocentrum

Genera: Campylocentrum
Subtribe Aerangidinae (300–400 species—Tropical Africa &

Madagascar)

Genera: Aerangis, Mystacidium

Tribe Maxillarieae (70–80 genera; 1,000 species—Tropical America)
Subtribe Corallorhizinae (Saprophytes)

Genera: Corallorhiza
Subtribe Zygopetalinae (150 species—most hybrids for the tribe appear

in this subtribe)

Alliance Warrea

Genera: Otostylis, Warrea

Alliance Zygopetalum

Genera: Pabstia, Promenaea, Zygopetalum

Alliance Bollea

Genera: Bollea, Chonrorhyncha, Cochleanthes,

Huntleya, Kefersteinia, Pescatoria, Stenia

Alliance Vargasiella

Genera: Vargasiella

HYBRIDS

Genera: Aitkenara, Angulocaste, Bateostylis,

Bollopetalum, Chondrobollea, Cochella,

Cochlecaste, Cochlenia, Cochlepetalum, Downsara,

Durutyara, Hamelwellsara, Huntleanthes,

Kanserara, Keferanthes, Lancebirkara, Otocolax,

Otonisia, Palmerara, Rotorara, Zygocaste, Zygolum,

Zygonisia, Zygostylis

Subtribe Bifrenariinae

Genera: Bifrenaria, Xylobium
Subtribe Lycastinae

Genera: Anguloa, Lycaste
Subtribe Maxillariinae (400+ species)

Genera: Maxillaria, Scuticaria
Subtribe Dichaeinae

Genera: Dichaea
Subtribe Telipogoninae

Genera: Telipogon. Trichoceros
Subtribe Ornithocephalinae

Genera: Ornithophalus, Zygostates
Tribe Cymbidieae (100–130 genera; 1,800 species)
Subtribe Cyrtopodiinae (400 species—Asia, Africa, & tropical America)

Alliance Bromheadia

Genera: Bromheadia

Alliance Eulophia

Genera: Eulophia

Alliance Cyrtopodium

Genera: Cymbidiella, Cyrtopodium, Galeandra

Alliance Cymbidium

Genera: Cymbidium, Grammatophyllum

Alliance Dipodium

Genera: Dipodium

HYBRIDS

Genera: Bifrenidium, Cymphiella, Cyrtellia,

Eulocymbidiella, Galeansellia, Graphiella
Subtribe Genyorchidinae (40+ species)

Genera: Genyorchis
Subtribe Thecostelinae (40+ species)

Genera: Thecostele
Subtribe Acriopsidinae (40+ species)

Genera: Acriopsis
Subtribe Catasetinae (150 species—Epiphytes found in the estern

hemisphere)

Genera: Catasetum, Cychnoches, Mormodes
Subtribe Stanhopeinae (200 species—Epiphytes found in the estern

hemisphere)

Genera: Acineta, Coryanthes, Gongora, Stanhopea
Subtribe Pachyphyllinae (40+ species)

Genera: Pachyphyllum
Subtribe Oncidiinae (56–78 genera; 900+ species—Troical America)

Alliance Oncidium (Largest alliance—majority of genera in

cultivation are here)

Genera: Ada, Brassia, Cochlioda, Miltonia,

Miltonopsis, Odontoglossum, Oncidium

Alliance Trichocentrum

Genera: Trichocentrum

Alliance Comparettia

Genera: Oncidium (equitants only), Comparettia,

Ionopsis, Rodriguezia

Alliance Trichophilia

Genera: Notylia, Psychopsis, Trichophilia

Alliance Lockhartia

Genera: Lockhartia

HYBRIDS (107 hybrids)

Genera: Aliceara, Bakerara, Beallara, Brassidium,

Burrageara, Colmanara, Degarmoara, Howeara,

Maclellanara, Miltassia, Miltonidium, Odontioda,

Odontobrassia, Odontocidium, Odontonia,

Rodricidum, Trichocidium, Vuylstekeara,

Wilsonara

Growing Orchids

o Temperature

§ Preferences vary

· Temperature affects the growth and especially the blooming habits of orchids

· Cool growing orchids—enjoy winter night temperatures of 50° F and daytime temperatures not exceeding 70°

· Intermediate growing orchids—prefer winter minimums around 60° and daytime temperatures between 70–85°

o Most orchids suited for indoor growing are intermediate

· Warm growing orchids—Night temperatures should not be lower then 65°, and daytime winter temperatures can range from 75–85°

§ A 10–20° temperature fluctuation from night to day is important and triggers them to produce flowers

· This is most important for cool and intermediate growing orchids

§ Air circulation is important! They do not like stagnant air

o Light

§ Most flourish under bright indirect light

· Full eastern or western exposure or indirect southern exposure is good

· As with temperature there is variation for specific orchids in light as well

o Phalaenopsis will burn readily in any direct exposure to sunlight

§ Symptoms of overexposure are yellowed foliage and a plant that looks dehydrated

§ Phalaenopsis will have scorch marks on the leaves

o Water & Food

§ Too much water is as deadly as too little

· Too much can cause root rot and prevent water uptake in the end, dehydrating the plant

§ To be sure the orchid gets enough drench the potting mix and allow it to dry out before watering again to prevent over watering

· The top layer will dry out more quickly so check below the surface!

· One simple trick is to compare the weight of an orchid before and after watering

o But this is not feasible when you have many plants

· If you are not sure…wait a day

·     &